Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?

Absolutely! Shredded hash browns work great in a pinch. Just press them down firmly in the pan so they form a solid base. The texture will be different (less crispy, more potato-y), but still delicious. I sometimes do half tots, half hash browns for variety!

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Oh, I've battled this one! The trick is to 1) drain your sausage really well, 2) don't thaw the tots first (frozen creates a barrier), and 3) bake on the lower oven rack. If you're still getting sogginess, try pre-baking just the tots for 10 minutes before adding other ingredients.

Can I make it vegetarian?

You bet! Swap the sausage for meatless crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. I love using the "meaty" portobello mushrooms - slice them thick and brown them well with smoked paprika for that umami punch. Just watch the liquid content with veggies!

Why didn't my egg mixture set properly?

Usually means either the oven temp was too low or you didn't bake long enough. Ovens vary - mine runs hot, so I check at 35 minutes. The center should barely jiggle when shaken. If it's still loose, give it 5 more minutes and check again. Also, make sure you're using large eggs (not medium) for the right liquid ratio.

Can I assemble this the night before?

Yes! Just mix everything except the cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, sprinkle on the cheese and add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it'll be cold. The tots might soften slightly, but the flavor is still amazing!

Irresistible Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole for 8

Print Recipe

A hearty and delicious breakfast casserole packed with tater tots, sausage, eggs, and cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb breakfast sausage
1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Spread tater tots in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle cooked sausage evenly over the tater tots.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour egg mixture over the sausage and tater tots.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set and cheese is golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use spicy sausage for extra flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or onions for more veggies.
Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: tater tot casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, easy breakfast, brunch recipe

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